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Vols’ most intriguing offensive skill position players in 2023 fall camp

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Vols’ most intriguing offensive skill position players in 2023 fall camp


Tennessee kicked off fall training camp Aug. 2 at Haslam Field in preparation for the 2023 season.

The Vols will open its 2023 season versus Virginia on Sept. 2 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Kickoff between Tennessee and the Cavaliers is slated for noon EDT and will be televised by ABC.

The 2023 season will be Tennessee’s third under head coach Josh Heupel.

Heupel guided Tennessee to a 18-8 (10-6 SEC) record and two bowl appearances from 2021-22.

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Tennessee’s 2023 football schedule

Offensive skill position players can be defined as quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends and wide receivers.

2023 will be quarterback Joe Milton’s sixth and final collegiate season. Freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava enters his first collegiate season after being the Vols’ highest-rated recruit in Tennessee’s 2023 signing class.

Following Tennessee’s first week during fall training camp, Vols Wire looks at the most intriguing offensive skill position players ahead of the season. Offensive skill position players, including running backs, tight ends and wide receivers, and excluding quarterbacks, are listed below.

McCallan Castles

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

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Position: Tight end

Year: Redshirt senior

Jersey number: 34

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 252 pounds

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*Transfer from UC Davis

“From McCallan’s UC Davis tape you see a playmaker, really athletic. You see a guy not afraid to stick his face in it. A guy that’s played in a bunch of different systems and knows football at a base level pretty well.” –Tennessee tight ends coach Alec Abelin on McCallan Castles

Ethan Davis

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

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Position: Tight end

Year: Freshman

Jersey number: 86

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 232 pounds

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“Just an attention to detail. I think a lot of times you can kind of get in the right area and kind of do the right thing, but when your feet are perfect and your technique is perfect, the detail of things has come a long way. I think some of that, he’s got to continue to take steps. It’s nowhere near where it will be, but when you really know what your assignment is, it allows you to focus on that stuff. When you’re swimming just trying to figure out where to line up and what to do, your technique has no shot. He’s gotten to the point this summer where with everything that is in currently, he knows what he’s supposed to do, where he’s supposed to be, how it’s supposed to look. Now he gets to focus on just doing it the way we want it.” –Tennessee tight ends coach Alec Abeln on what he wanted to see from Ethan Davis over the summer and what he has seen during the first days of fall camp

Ramel Keyton

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Position: Wide receiver

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Year: Senior

Jersey number: 9

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 197 pounds

“He’s somebody who probably puts as much time, or more time, than anybody inside of our program into the extra work. You can come up here late at night and see him on the jugs. He cares and he prepares the right way. He’s continued to grow in what we’re doing and understanding our schemes. He’s continued to heighten his fundamental technique at the wide receiver position. That was a huge part of why he took advantage of the opportunity when Cedric Tillman went down last year and played at a really high level. I anticipate him continuing to do that and having a great training camp. I’m really excited about what he’s done in a short amount of time with us.” — Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel on Ramel Keyton

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Bru McCoy

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Position: Wide receiver

Year: Redshirt senior

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Jersey number: 15

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 220 pounds

*Second-year transfer from USC

“I just want to be the best teammate I can be, continue to grind and work, and do what I can do to help win games. Ultimately, just set more team goals than I do personal, and just go out there and have success.” —Bru McCoy on returning to Tennessee in 2023

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Emmanuel Okoye

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Position: Tight end

Year: Freshman

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Jersey number: 27

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 230 pounds

“He’s got a chance to be the most athletic guy to play the position. I truly believe that. He is as physically gifted as anyone I’ve ever been around. He’s got to continue to make steps every day, but just from a raw athletic standpoint, the ceiling is unlimited.” –Tennessee tight ends coach Alec Abeln on Emmanuel Okoye

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Cameron Seldon

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Position: Running back

Year: Freshman

Jersey number: 23

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Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 222 pounds

“He’s ran with good pad level. He’s transitioned from playing a lot out in space to being in the running back position really full-time. He’s continuing to grow in his understanding of how to press the line of scrimmage and understand how things are going to be brought from some different fronts.” –Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel on Cameron Seldon during 2023 spring practices

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Jabari Small

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Position: Running back

Year: Senior

Jersey number: 2

Height: 5-foot-11

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Weight: 213 pounds

Father, Eddie Small, played wide receiver at Ole Miss from 1990-93. Uncle, Tony Small, was an All-SEC wide receiver at Georgia from 1996-98. His uncle, O.J. Small, was an All-SEC wide receiver at Florida from 2000-04.

Dont’e Thornton Jr.

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

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Position: Wide receiver

Year: Junior

Jersey number: 1

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 214 pounds

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*Transfer from Oregon

“With Dont’e, really big guy that can run. He’s 6’4-plus. The day he steps on the field he might always be the fastest guy on the field. That guy can really roll. He does a great job of giving you position flexibility with what he has done and his ability to get in and out of breaks. He’s fluid, he can roll over the in-steps, he can do all of that type of stuff. He can read defenses from his time playing college football. He gives you a chance to move him all over the field and create mismatches.” –Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle on Dont’e Thornton Jr.

Jacob Warren

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

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Position: Tight end

Year: Redshirt senior

Jersey number: 87

Height: 6-foot-6

Weight: 253 pounds

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“I mean it changes everything in terms of, you knew that you had at least one guy who you could count on to go to war with, and at that point just trying to find the pieces of who else was going to be there with him. It really made it easier for us.” –Tennessee tight ends coach Alec Abeln on Jacob Warren returning in 2023

Squirrel White

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Position: Wide receiver

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Year: Sophomore

Jersey number: 10

Height: 5-foot-10

Weight: 165 pounds

He cares. He’s really engaging. He likes to have fun. He comes out with a great energy every single day, competes really hard.” –Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel on Squirrel White

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Jaylen Wright

Photo by Dan Harralson, Vols Wire

Position: Running back

Year: Junior

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Jersey number: 0

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 210 pounds

“When you talk about the ability to separate from people when he gets to the second level, the speed jumps out at you about him. He’s so dynamic when he gets to the second level, it’s really hard to catch him.” –Tennessee running backs coach Jerry Mack on Jaylen Wright

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Tennessee

Deer-related crashes costing Tennessee drivers millions of dollars

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Deer-related crashes costing Tennessee drivers millions of dollars


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As the holiday travel season approaches, Tennessee drivers are being warned to keep a close eye on the road—not just for other vehicles, but for wildlife, particularly deer.

This time of year is the peak season for deer activity, and accidents involving these animals are a serious concern for drivers.

According to AAA, in 2020, there were more than 6,500 motor vehicle crashes involving deer in Tennessee. Of those, half occurred between October and December, a time when deer are most active and roadways are often busy with holiday travelers.

These crashes are not only dangerous—they’re expensive.

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At Childress Collision in Nashville, general manager Charles Childress says his shop sees a noticeable increase in deer-related accidents as the fall and winter months progress.

“You can see this bumper reinforcement. You can see the buckle here. It’s actually bowed back where the deer went into here. It’s got hair left in the latch,” Childress said, pointing to a Subaru scheduled for repairs after a deer collision.

While the vehicle might look like it only needs a new bumper, Childress notes that nearly 25 components could be involved in the repair process.

The cost of such accidents can quickly add up. Childress explains that while a basic bumper cover might cost a few hundred dollars to replace, more serious damage can lead to much higher repair bills.

“It could tear up a $300-$400 bumper cover, or take out the whole front end, depending on the car,” Childress said.

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In 2023, the Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that deer-related crashes in the state caused over $67 million in economic costs.

These accidents often result in damaged parts that are expensive to repair, with some parts costing thousands of dollars.

“You could have a $200 headlight, or I have an Audi out here right now where the headlamp is $3,800,” Childress said. “And it has to be programmed to the vehicle once it’s replaced.”

The rise in advanced safety features in newer vehicles has made them safer overall, though more costly to repair after a crash.

Childress notes that almost every vehicle now requires a calibration process after repairs, especially for systems like surround-view cameras, pre-collision warnings, and radar sensors used for adaptive cruise control.

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These high-tech systems are crucial for driver safety, but they add to the overall cost and complexity of repairs following a deer collision.

For drivers on Tennessee roads, especially during the busy holiday season, staying vigilant is key.

Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, when visibility is low, and they can appear suddenly, especially in areas near wooded or rural stretches of highway.

Authorities recommend drivers adhere to speed limits, stay alert, and be cautious when driving in areas known for high deer populations.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at (kelsey.gibbs@newschannel5.com).

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Get ready to get inspired – Tad found a second purpose later in life, turning his hobby into his full-time gig. He helps the planet, helps homeowners and finds fulfillment in a slower pace after being on the front-line during the pandemic.

-Rebecca Schleicher

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Titans Predicted to Make Surprising NFL Draft Decision

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Titans Predicted to Make Surprising NFL Draft Decision


The Tennessee Titans are just 2-7 on the season and are trending toward having one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but what will they do in April?

The general consensus is that the Titans should select a quarterback, and there should be plenty of options available for them. This is slated to be a fairly deep quarterback class, so someone should be on the board for Tennessee.

After all, it doesn’t appear that Will Levis is the answer under center.

But is it possible that the Titans go in an entirely different direction?

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Joseph Acosta of SB Nation seems to think so, as he has Tennessee selecting Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter with the third overall pick of the draft.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this pick is a QB if the Titans continue to bottom out, but the Titans can’t bring the QB down,” Acosta wrote. “Carter is a terrifying blend of speed and burst, and he’s still growing into the position.”

It’s true that the Titans need a pass rusher, as they have logged just 18 sacks thus far in 2024. But is that really more of a pressing need than quarterback?

Levis is now in his second season at signal-caller for Tennessee, and things have not exactly gone according to plan for the former second-round pick.

He looked rather pedestrian in nine starts during his rookie campaign, and this season, he has totaled seven passing touchdowns and seven interceptions in six games.

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To be fair, Levis’ season has been marred by a shoulder injury, but it’s not like he was lighting it up before the injury, either.

Levis did look decent in his return this past weekend, but it just seems hard to fathom the Titans believing in him long term and passing up a golden opportunity to select a quarterback this spring.

Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!



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Tennessee vs. Montana: Game information, lineups, notes

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Tennessee vs. Montana: Game information, lineups, notes


Tennessee vs. Montana: Game information, lineups, notes

After passing its first road test, Tennessee will get to stay on its home floor for the next week.

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The No. 11 Vols (2-0), fresh off of a convincing 77-55 thumping of Louisville last Saturday, return to Food City Center for a two-game homestand against Montana and Austin Peay before going to Nassau, Bahamas to play in the Baha Mar Championship next week.

TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM

Tennessee hosts the Grizzlies (1-1) on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+), looking to build off of a performance in which guards Zakai Zeigler and Chaz Lanier totaled 19 points each and Jahami Mashack put on a stellar defensive display against the Cardinals.

Since their season opener a week ago, Lanier has looked as advertised for the Vols. The North Florida transfer, brought in to bolster the offense is averaging 18.5 points through two games.

Defensively, Tennessee held Louisville to just 26.7% shooting from the field and 25.6% from three-point range while recording eight steals, four blocks and 40-26 edge in rebounding.

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Montana lost to Oregon, 79-48 in its opener, allowing the Ducks to shoot 45% from the field. The Grizzlies beat Northwest Indian, 94-44 in their last outing.

Here is everything you need to know about the match up.

GAME INFORMATION 

Who: Montana (1-1) at No. 11 Tennessee (2-0)

When: Wednesday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m. ET

Where: Food City Center | Knoxville

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TV: SEC Network+ (Andy Brock, play-by-play; Steve Hammer, analyst)

Radio: Vol Network (Bob Kesling, play-by-play; Bert Bertelkamp, analyst)

Series: First meeting

KenPom projection: Tennessee 82, Montana 60

PROJECTED LINEUPS

PREGAME NOTES

— Tennessee hasn’t trailed much in its first two games. The Vols have led for 78 of the 80 minutes they have played so far this season. Their only deficit so far was for a short stretch against Gardner-Webb in their season opener. Tennessee never trailed against Louisville.

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— Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes tied former coach Don DeVoe (1978-89) in all-time wins in program history with his 204th victory against Louisville on Saturday. Barnes, who is 204-101 in less than 10 seasons, would move into sole possession of second place with a win over Montana.

— Tennessee is looking to continue one dominating win streak on its home court on Wednesday against Montana. The Vols are 29-0 in non-conference games at Food City Center in the last five seasons and is tied with Providence and UConn for the eighth-longest active streak, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

MORE FROM VOLREPORT: Three thoughts as Tennessee basketball gets into swing of season

Zakai Zeigler has moved up the Tennessee record books already this season. With two steals against Gardner-Webb, Zeigler moved into top five all-time in steals 186 in 105 games played. He trails former teammate Santiago Vescovi, who holds the record with 212, Vincent Yarbrough (211), C.J. Watson (198), and Chris Lofton (193).

Cade Phillips has been impressive off of the bench. The sophomore forward has turned in 41 minutes through two games after totaling just 78 minutes as a freshman last season. Phillips has scored 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting with 10 rebounds and one block.

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— Tennessee and Montana will play for the first time ever. The Grizzlies finished 24-12 last season and reached the second round of the College Basketball Invitational. They were picked to finish first in the Big Sky Conference preseason poll by league coaches. Senior guard Kai Johnson leads the team with 16.3 points per game.

Source: UT and Montana game notes



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